During the 20th century, people had more opportunities to work and get jobs. Most rushed to find a job thinking it would help them live their entire lives, but no, these jobs were low-paying minimum wage jobs or worse. Conditions were dangerous and positions were easily replaceable. Not only were the working conditions horrible, but racism and discrimination also played a role during that time. Immigrants came from all over, and some were denied jobs because of the color of their skin. The only option available was to get a job that didn't negate their specific race. For example, low-level jobs like Jurgis Rudkus' gut-scraping job required no skill, so they didn't care if a person of color received the job. Many board organizations have formed to keep workers of all races on the job by ensuring union membership, for example “The National Labor Relations Board (9/24/13).” Freedom has expanded dramatically for white people and people of color. People not only got jobs and opportunities, but they also got rights. While there are more opportunities for workers, such as rights and jobs, the US government also limits the maximum potential an individual can achieve. In 1919, the Red Summer was the time of trouble (9/24/13). There have been many work stoppages such as the Seattle General Strike which featured workers striking for five days eager to earn a higher wage after World War I. Not only was it a nonviolent strike, but it also involved union workers from groups such as the American Federation of Labor and Industrial Workers of the World. Another thing is that many women enter the workforce as consumers and workers, but are still paid less than white men. Later in 1923, the Equal Rights Amendment… halfway through the document… through this protest, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was formed. The Great Society was formed and this helped many Americans. It included the Lady Bird Highway Beautification Act, the Education Act, Medicaid and Medicare, Improving the National Park System, etc. Lyndon B. Johnson's primary focus was education, the environment, and urban centers (11/12/13). Medicaid and Medicare were a safety net for retirees who needed money after retirement and helped provide healthcare to the elderly. Overall, as time passed, people fought for their rights, jobs, and protection. The United States also played an important role in helping friends like war-torn Asia to stop the spread of communism. This required America's citizens and immigrants to produce the supplies and vote for the right person for their country. Works Cited Lecture Notes from 9/24/13 and 11/5/13 by Professor Ryan Pettengill